FISCAM presents a methodology for performing info. system (IS) control audits of governmental entities in accordance with professional standards. FISCAM is designed to be used on financial and performance audits and attestation engagements. The methodology in the FISCAM incorp. the following: (1) A top-down, risk-based approach that considers materiality and significance in determining audit procedures; (2) Evaluation of entitywide controls and their effect on audit risk; (3) Evaluation of general controls and their pervasive impact on bus. process controls; (4) Evaluation of security mgmt. at all levels; (5) Control hierarchy to evaluate IS control weaknesses; (6) Groupings of control categories consistent with the nature of the risk. Illus.

The escalation of security breaches involving personally identifiable information (PII) has contributed to the loss of millions of records over the past few years. Breaches involving PII are hazardous to both individuals and org. Individual harms may include identity theft, embarrassment, or blackmail. Organ. harms may include a loss of public trust, legal liability, or remediation costs. To protect the confidentiality of PII, org. should use a risk-based approach. This report provides guidelines for a risk-based approach to protecting the confidentiality of PII. The recommend. here are intended primarily for U.S. Fed. gov¿t. agencies and those who conduct business on behalf of the agencies, but other org. may find portions of the publication useful.

This comprehensive book instructs IT managers to adhere to federally mandated compliance requirements. FISMA Compliance Handbook Second Edition explains what the requirements are for FISMA compliance and why FISMA compliance is mandated by federal law. The evolution of Certification and Accreditation is discussed. This book walks the reader through the entire FISMA compliance process and includes guidance on how to manage a FISMA compliance project from start to finish. The book has chapters for all FISMA compliance deliverables and includes information on how to conduct a FISMA compliant security assessment. Various topics discussed in this book include the NIST Risk Management Framework, how to characterize the sensitivity level of your system, contingency plan, system security plan development, security awareness training, privacy impact assessments, security assessments and more. Readers will learn how to obtain an Authority to Operate for an information system and what actions to take in regards to vulnerabilities and audit findings. FISMA Compliance Handbook Second Edition, also includes all-new coverage of federal cloud computing compliance from author Laura Taylor, the federal government's technical lead for FedRAMP, the government program used to assess and authorize cloud products and services. - Includes new information on cloud computing compliance from Laura Taylor, the federal government's technical lead for FedRAMP - Includes coverage for both corporate and government IT managers - Learn how to prepare for, perform, and document FISMA compliance projects - This book is used by various colleges and universities in information security and MBA curriculums

The purpose of the system security plan is to provide an overview of the security requirements of the system and describe the controls in place or planned for meeting those requirements. The system security plan also delineates responsibilities and expected behavior of all individuals who access the system. The system security plan should be viewed as documentation of the structured process of planning adequate, cost-effective security protection for a system. It should reflect input from various managers with responsibilities concerning the system, including information owners, the system owner, and the senior agency information security officer (SAISO). Additional information may be included in the basic plan and the structure and format organized according to agency needs, so long as the major sections described in this document are adequately covered and readily identifiable.